With the right care, ferns can turn shady corners into cool, leafy retreats full of texture, depth and gentle contrast.
Creating the right environment
Ferns love shade and moisture, so choose spots that are protected from hot afternoon sun – under trees and beside fences are ideal. They thrive in rich, free-draining soil, so dig in compost or leaf litter before planting.
Keep the soil evenly moist and add a good layer of mulch to help it stay that way through summer. Misting the leaves on warm days adds humidity, and grouping ferns together helps create a cooler, more sheltered microclimate.
Ferns in all shades of green (and beyond)
Many varieties change colour as they grow, offering subtle tones and textures that bring life to shaded areas. Here are some lovely types you can easily find at most local garden centres:
- Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus) – with wide, glossy fronds that radiate from the centre, this popular fern adds a lush tropical feel. The bright apple-green fronds deepen with age and new growth often appears a cheerful yellow green.
- Maidenhair fern (Adiantum aethiopicum) – fan-shaped leaflets on dark, wiry stems. New growth has a soft pinkish tint before turning vivid lime green.
- Kangaroo fern (Microsorum diversifolium) – a hardy Australian native with glossy, irregular fronds in rich green tones. It’s great for adding contrast and texture in shaded spots.
- Blechnum silver lady (Blechnum gibbum) – this elegant fern produces fresh, light green fronds that darken as they mature, giving a lovely, layered look.
- Tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica) – a statement plant that brings instant rainforest style to the garden. New fronds unfurl in soft bronze tones before turning lush green.
- Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’) – a showstopper with silver-grey fronds, purple midribs and soft green edges that glow beautifully in shady spots.
- Copper shield fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) – offers a wonderful mix of colour with coppery-orange new fronds that mature to glossy dark green.
Mixing and matching for contrast
Ferns look best when mixed together. Combine glossy types like bird’s nest ferns with delicate varieties such as maidenhair for a lush, layered display. Add a copper shield fern for a touch of warmth or a Japanese painted fern for a silvery shimmer.
To make the colours really stand out, plant them near darker shade lovers such as hostas, clivias or begonias. The contrast helps highlight the silvers, bronzes and bright greens.
Keeping ferns happy through dry spells
Ferns love consistent moisture. Water deeply in the morning and avoid letting the soil dry out – the mulch will help to trap moisture and keep the soil cool. Potted ferns appreciate daily misting or a tray of pebbles and water underneath to create humidity.
Feed them every couple of months with a diluted liquid fertiliser to keep the fronds lush and healthy but avoid overfeeding – ferns prefer gentle care. During very hot weather, move pots to cooler spots or provide temporary shade cloth so they don’t wither in the harsh heat.
